What can be learned from the mixed housing development of Derwenthorpe?

Those most closely involved in the award-winning scheme – a partnership between the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust and David Wilson Homes – share their thoughts and identify key lessons for other home-builders, including:

building on-site, life-sized prototype houses so technical ideas and layouts can be tested;

splitting the project into phases to allow residents to give feedback, which can influence the design of future homes;

investing in infrastructure and landscaping early so potential house-buyers see the neighbourhood, rather than a building site, which makes sales easier;

working with residents and having the courage to change things that have not worked as well as anticipated.

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A unique organisation

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an independent social change organisation working to solve UK poverty. Uniquely, we also run a housing association and care provider, the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.